We present to you Episode 21 of the Video Podcast Cases and Democracy: Access to Information, Investigations, and SLAPP – the Host Alexander Kashumov, Access to Information Programme Speaks with the Investigative Journalist Dimitar Stoyanov, Bird.bg. It is the highest-viewed episode this season.
BIRD.bg (Bureau for Investigative Reporting and Data) is a Bulgarian independent investigative journalism outlet founded by Atanas Tchobanov and Dimitar Stoyanov. It focuses on the analysis of public data, uncovering corruption schemes, public procurement, political connections, and the assets of public figures. The media operates without advertising and is funded through donations to maintain its independence. It is known for high-quality investigations based on registries, documents, and audio and video evidence.
The journalists from Bird.bg are facing SLAPP lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) with a total value of nearly 500,000 BGN.
Bird.bg received an honorary diploma in 2024 in the category "Best journalist story related to the access to information right" Journalistic Material Related to the Right of Access to Information, awarded at the ceremony to honor the International Right-to-Know Day Ceremony. The recognition is for their active use of the Access to Public Information Act in their investigations. Birg.bg files requests to various institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, the National Revenue Agency, the State Reserve and Wartime Stocks Agency, etc. One of the important cases investigated with the help of the APIA is related to access to documents from the arbitration case between the Omani Fund and the Bulgarian state, represented by the Ministry of Finance.
Cases and Democracy is a video podcast dedicated to the court cases that accompany democratic processes in Bulgaria. The episodes are a result of a partnership between the Access to Information Programme and KAYA PRO Ltd.